How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs After Epilation

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Epilation removes body hair at its root, or follicle. Forms of epilation include waxing, plucking, and lasering. Every type of epilation comes with a risk of developing ingrown hairs. These can become infected and painful, creating an even bigger problem than the unwanted hair. [1] You can prevent ingrown hairs after epilation by prepping your skin, using proper techniques, and caring for your skin after the treatment.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Caring for Your Skin After Epilating

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  1. Wipe or rinse off your skin when you’re finished. Use warm water to keep your pores open. This can clear away lingering hair and bacteria. It can also minimize the risk of developing ingrown hairs. [2]
  2. Exfoliation and epilation can dry out your skin. After rinsing off your skin, apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer. This can soothe newly epilated skin and keep dry skin from clogging your pores and hair follicles. [3]
    • Moisturize twice a day to ease any redness or inflammation from epilation.
    • Some waxing kits may include an antiseptic cream, which soothes, moisturizes, and protects your skin against potential infections.
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  3. Return to your skincare routine after epilation. Choose skincare products that are gentle as well as alcohol- and fragrance-free. They should also help moisturize your skin. This can ensure that you don’t irritate skin that is delicate from epilation. [4]
  4. Avoid wearing tight clothing for a few days after you epilate. Tight clothes put pressure on your skin. This can keep hairs from growing properly and increases the risk of them being pushed back under the skin. [5]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Preparing Your Skin Before Epilation

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  1. Wash your skin or take a shower with warm water. Use a gentle soap to avoid irritation. This can minimize the risk of bacteria getting into pores and causing an infection. [6]
  2. Dead cells can build up on your skin and block the hair follicles. Use a gentle exfoliating product in the shower or bath to remove dead cells. This can reduce your risk of developing ingrown hairs. Use any of the following natural exfoliants twice per week:
    • Dry body brush
    • Natural loofah
    • Sugar and olive oil paste [7]
    • Baking soda and water paste
  3. Step into a steam room or take a steamy shower. The warmth will open up your pores. This softens hair, making it easier to remove. Steam your skin as a part of your pre-epilation cleansing and exfoliation routine.
  4. Rinse or wipe off your epilator before you start. This can remove any bacteria or lingering hairs on your device. It can also help prevent ingrown hairs.
    • Tweezers can be cleaned weekly with plain rubbing alcohol.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Proper Epilation Techniques

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  1. Depending on what type of epilator you have, consult the product’s instructions. These can advise how to get optimal results and minimize the risk of ingrown hairs. For example, some epilators may require working in the direction of hair growth, while others suggest working against it. [8]
    • Tweezers likely will not come with instructions. Grip the hair you’d like to remove in the pointed end of the tweezers and pull gently in the direction of the hair growth. Wipe the tweezers off with a clean cloth to remove the hairs, if necessary.
  2. Be gentle when using your epilator. Using too much pressure can make it more difficult to remove the hair from its follicles. Gently press the epilator so that it glides easily over your skin.
  3. Hold the area you’re exfoliating with as little pressure as possible. Pulling your skin taut can catch hairs underneath the surface of your skin. This can increase your risk of developing an ingrown hair. [9]
    • If you are using an epilation device, follow the product packaging instructions about whether you should pull your skin.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I prevent ingrown hairs on my pubic area?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Avoid wearing tight pants or undergarments, especially the day after hair removal. Make sure to cleanse and exfoliate this area.
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  • Question
    Can waxing prevent ingrown hairs?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Waxing can minimize ingrown hairs, but they do still happen occasionally. Regular exfoliation is very important for preventing ingrown hairs regardless of your hair removal method.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
  • Question
    How do I prevent ingrown hairs?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Exfoliate regularly to keep your pores from becoming clogged. It is also important to keep razors, epilators, and other hair removal tools clean and in working order. Ingrown hairs are often caused by dull razors.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-hair/basics/causes/con-20034717
      2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-hair/basics/prevention/con-20034717
      3. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-moisturize-your-skin
      4. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-wax
      5. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/folliculitis
      6. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-hair/basics/prevention/con-20034717
      7. ↑ http://www.healthline.com/health/treating-preventing-ingrown-vaginal-hair#home-treatment5
      8. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-hair/basics/prevention/con-20034717
      9. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-hair/basics/causes/con-20034717

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Epilation involves pulling your hair out by its roots, usually by waxing or plucking. To prevent ingrown hairs after epilation, rinse your skin, moisturize it, and wear loose-fitting clothes. After you've waxed or plucked your hair, make sure you rinse your skin with warm water as soon as you’re finished, which will get rid of any hair and bacteria that can get into your follicles. After rinsing your skin, apply a moisturizing product to soothe your skin and prevent dry skin from clogging your pores. If your skin is red or inflamed after epilating, moisturize twice a day until the discomfort goes away. Avoid any products that are scented or contain alcohol, since these can irritate your skin after epilation. You should also wear loose-fitting clothes for a few days after epilating, which will keep pressure off your skin and avoid pushing hairs back into their follicles. For more tips from our Beauty co-author, including how to prime your skin before epilation, read on!

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